Electrically illuminated flame simulator

ABSTRACT

An electrically powered flame simulator comprises at least two light sources, an integrated circuit electrically connected to the light sources for intermittently illuminating at least one of the light sources independently of other light sources such that the light sources together provide the effect of a flickering movement, and a power source for providing power to the integrated circuit. The flame simulator may be mounted in a decorative or ornamental device such as a candle or fire log, or used on decorative clothing, or may be part of a hazard or warning system. One or more solid state light sources may also be used.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/055,544 filed Oct. 16, 2013, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 13/449,100 filed Apr. 17, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No.8,562,186, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.12/927,645 filed Nov. 19, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,157,425, which is acontinuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/586,933 filed Sep. 30,2009, (now abandoned), which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.No. 12/284,986 filed Sep. 26, 2008 (now abandoned), which is acontinuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/881,303, filed Jul. 26,2007 (now abandoned), which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.No. 11/494,812 filed Jul. 28, 2006 (now abandoned), which is acontinuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/822,392 filed Apr. 12, 2004(now abandoned), which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.10/084,272 filed Feb. 27, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,719,443, all ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[Not Applicable]

MICROFICHE/COPYRIGHT REFERENCE

[Not Applicable]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an electrically illuminated flame simulator.Particularly, the invention relates to decorative candles, fire logs, orother devices which may be illuminated so as to produce a flickeringflame effect. The flame simulator of the invention would typically beelectrically powered by batteries, either disposable or rechargeable,but may also be powered through a regular AC outlet, with or without anAC adaptor.

Candles, fire logs, specially created street lights and other deviceswhich may be used, for example, on clothing, cycles or other productsare commonly available and valued for their effect. However, in manyinstances, where candles, fire logs or related lighting fixtures areused, the lighting, produced is from a flame which may typically burn inan oil container, wax candle or the like. There are, of course, naturalhazards associated with such a device, since they may result in fireaccidents which, if unattended or not properly controlled, can produceextensive damage, smoke or pollution.

The invention therefore utilizes the concept of such decorativeelements, but uses, instead of a flame, an electrically illuminatedflame simulator which is programmed to operate so that, when observed,is shown to produce a light-flickering effect which is the same as orsimilar to a burning candle, fire log or the like. However, theinvention is not limited to devices such as candles and fire logs, andthe electrically illuminated flame simulator of the invention can beused in a wide array of products and conditions, such as in ornamentalor decorative street lights, in clothing such as belts, shoes and caps,greeting cards, or on bicycles, scooters and the like. Furthermore, theflickering effect of the flame simulator of the invention may be used toadvantage as a hazard warning, such as on road hazard or emergencyautomobile lights.

Certain devices and methods are known which may have the effect ofproducing or simulating a real flame. For example, a single speciallydesigned, unstable neon light bulb may be used. Such unstable neonbulbs, however, inherently produce an unnatural “jerky” flickeringpattern that may not be easily controlled electronically, and must beoperated by high voltage sources. At the least, this makes themgenerally unsuitable for battery operation. A further example can befound in a single incandescent light bulb whose light output may bemodulated by varying the output of an AC or DC voltage source. Suchincandescent light bulbs, however, are inherently limited in terms offlickering rate and effect due to retention of filament heat, and drawsubstantially more current than solid state light sources such as LEDlights. Once more, this is not generally suitable for battery operation,at the least.

Where multiple light bulbs each switched on and off may be used fordisplay and decorative purposes, there is an absence of the illusion oflight movement characteristic of a flickering flame since the lightbulbs are not switched or modulated in a manner which would generatelight motion typical of that produced by a real flame.

Linear arrays of “traveling” or “chaser” lights are also known but thesearrays are structured and controlled to generate the effect of a largemagnitude of light motion in a linear direction, which is coincidentwith the linear array of such lights. Certainly, the effect produced bythese linear arrays does not mimic the illusion of a flickering flame.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the invention is for an electrically illuminated flamesimulator. Preferably, the flame simulator of the invention isassociated with an ornamental or decorative device, or with otherdevices such as hazard indicators. In one form, the flame simulator ofthe invention may constitute a part of an ornament or decoration such asa candle, fire log, or an indoor or outdoor lighting display, giving theappearance that the ornament is providing a natural flame. Other suchdecorative uses may make the flame simulator of the invention usefulwhen associated with clothing, such as on belts or caps, greeting cards,or when incorporated into shoes.

When used as a hazard warning, the flame simulator of the invention maybe used in conjunction with cycles or cycle clothing, or with roadbarriers, signs for warning motorists or as emergency lighting forvehicles.

In a preferred form, the electrically illuminated flame simulator isused with a decorative candle. The candle itself may be comprised of waxor other conventional materials from which candles are produced, ormaterials such as plastics which can emulate the look of a candle. Theflame simulator of the invention would preferably be located within thecandle body so that the flame simulator, when illuminated, can be seennot only from the top of the candle, but also as a glow or source oflight emanating from within the candle.

According to another aspect of the invention, the flame simulator mayalso be used to provide an effect similar to that of a candle when usedin a fake fire log intended to produce the effect of a natural burninglog.

In one form, the flame simulator of the invention comprises at least twolight sources, preferably four, such as light bulbs, which may berandomly, sequentially, or semi-randomly illuminated to produce aflickering and moving light effect to resemble a real flame, for examplea flame provided by a burning candle. The light sources are preferablylight-emitting diodes (LEDs), randomly or semi-randomly illuminatedelectronically.

In another embodiment, the flame simulator of the invention comprises asingle non-filament (solid state) light source, such as an LED lightbulb, liquid crystal display, or electro luminescent material, in whichsuch light source is driven by a randomly or semi-randomly modulatedvoltage source to provide a flickering effect to resemble a real flame.

Further, in another aspect of the invention, the illuminated sourceproducing the flame-flickering effect may be operated (namely, activatedand deactivated) by externally produced, preselected sounds. Therefore,the electrically illuminated flame simulator of the invention may haveassociated therewith a microphone integrated as part of the electronics,so that sounds or different frequencies may be programed to produce agiven result, such as the switching on or switching off of the flamesimulator.

The flame simulator of the invention may also incorporate otherfeatures, including motion detectors, light sensors and the like, sothat any ornament or decoration incorporating the flame simulator of theinvention will operate automatically, for example, when ambient lightconditions reach a certain level, and/or when movement is detectedwithin a specific range.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided anelectrically powered flame simulator comprising: at least two lightsources; an integrated circuit electrically connected to the lightsources for intermittently, such as systematically, randomly orsemi-randomly, illuminating at least one of the light sourcesindependently of other light sources such that the light sourcestogether provide the effect of a flickering movement; and a power sourcefor providing power to the integrated circuit. Preferably, the a flamesimulator comprises at least four light sources.

The flame simulator preferably includes a switch means for activatingand deactivating the integrated circuit. The switch means may have threepositions comprising an on position, an off position, and an on-timedposition where the flame simulator will remain activated for apredetermined length of time.

The flame simulator may further comprise a microphone connected to theintegrated circuit wherein the microphone inputs preselected audiosignals which are processed by the integrated circuit to switch theflame simulator between an on position, an off position, and an on-timedposition where the flame simulator will remain activated for apredetermined length of time. Preferably, the integrated circuitprocesses signals from the microphone having a higher frequency, such asthose produced by a finger snap, to place the flame simulator in the onposition and processes lower frequency signals, such as those producedby blowing, to place the flame simulator in the off position.

The integrated circuit may illuminate the light sources in a random orsemi-random operation, in a preselected, predetermined operation, andmay function only when selected ambient sound or light conditions arepresent.

In one form, the flame simulator comprises a body in the shape of acandle in which the flame simulator is contained, the body having anupper end with a mounting means for receiving the integrated circuit andlight sources and a chamber therein for receiving the power source.

Preferably, the light sources are light emitting diodes (LEDs). Theintegrated circuit may be mounted on a rigid base, or on a flexible basewhich can be shaped so as to conform to the shape of at least a portionof the candle to conserve space.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a candlehaving an electrically powered flame simulator comprising: a candle bodyhaving an upper portion, a lower portion and a chamber therein; and aflame simulator having at least two light sources located near the upperportion of the candle body, an integrated circuit within the candle bodyand electrically connected to the light sources for intermittently, suchas by randomly or semi-randomly, illuminating at least one of the lightsources independently of other light sources such that the light sourcestogether provide the effect of a flickering movement, and a power sourcein the chamber of the candle body for providing power to the integratedcircuit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a candle with the electricallyilluminated flame simulator of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view of artificial fire logs incorporating a flamesimulator of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic side view, showing various components, of anartificial candle with flame simulator of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the candle shown in FIG. 3 of the drawings;

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the candle shown in FIG. 3 of the drawings;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the flame simulator of the invention,shown independent of any decorative ornament with which it may beassociated;

FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram showing the electronics in one embodiment ofthe flame simulator of the invention;

FIGS. 8 a and 8 b show another embodiment of the flame simulator of theinvention standing alone, shown as a front view and top viewrespectively;

FIG. 9 shows a schematic side view of a candle with the electricallyilluminated flame simulator of the invention as illustrated in FIG. 1,but with LED light sources which face upwards;

FIG. 10 shows schematically a single “birthday” type candle inaccordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 11 shows schematically a greeting card in accordance with thepresent invention; and

FIG. 12 shows a block diagram of one embodiment of a single light sourceflame simulator of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention is for a flame simulator which is powered electrically,and comprises a series of bulbs or LEDs which are illuminated randomly,semi-randomly or in a predetermined a manner to provide the visualeffect of a flickering flame. The device is preferably coupled to anornament such as a candle or fire log to enhance this effect.

FIG. 1 of the drawings shows schematically a candle 12, generally ofcylindrical shape having side wall 14, a base 16, and a top surface 18.The candle 12 comprises a hollowed out central portion 20, generallyextending between the top surface 18 and the base 16, which, in theembodiment of FIG. 1, may accommodate a power source such as batteries22. Near the top surface 18 there is located circuitry 24, the circuitry24 being connected to LED light sources 26, four of which are shown inthe embodiment in FIG. 1 of the drawings. The LED light sources 26 openinto a chamber 28, generally formed between the top of the batteries 22and the undersurface of the circuitry 24. In a variation, the LED lightsources 26 may point upwardly.

The circuitry 24 further comprises a microphone 30, at least a portionof which is exposed and not embedded within the candle 12. Themicrophone 30 has an operative portion thereof exposed to the outsideair and is capable of receiving and processing signals of variousfrequencies, as will be described, which are transmitted to and thenprocessed by the circuitry 24, to activate the LED light sources 26 toprovide a flickering flame effect.

At the lower end of the hollow central portion 20, electrical pins 32are located, and these may be connectable to an electric source (notshown). Such pins 32 may be used for different purposes, such as forrecharging the batteries 22 when they are of rechargeable type, or forproviding power directly to the circuitry 24 and the LED light sources26. The batteries could, of course, be disposable, and, in a furthervariation, the candle 12 would be able to accommodate both disposableand rechargeable batteries.

Preferably, the candle 12 is cylindrically shaped, and may be comprisedof wax or a synthetic material which provides a candle-like appearance.The candle 12 may be of desired color or a combination of colors, andmay be translucent or opaque. The material of the candle 12 is chosen,and its thickness selected, so that the possibility exists for lightfrom the LED light sources 26 to be viewed not only from the top surface18 of the candle 12, but also through the body 34 of the candle,possibly in a muted or semi-transparent manner to provide a glowingeffect.

As will be described below, the LED light sources 26 may be illuminatedrandomly, semi-randomly, or in a predetermined pattern. However, theoverall purpose of illuminating the LED light sources 26 is to do so insuch a way that the modulated illumination of each of the LED lightsources provides an aesthetic flickering effect when illuminated incombination with the other LED light sources being similarlyilluminated, so that the light and movement produced thereby emulates anatural candle flame.

With reference to FIG. 2 of the drawings, there is shown a pair ofsynthetic fire logs 40 and 42, which may be comprised of conventionalmaterials known to those skilled in the art, and having ornamentationand design features thereon which look like real fire logs. In FIG. 2,which shows only one embodiment of the invention, the fire log 40 hastwo electric circuits 44 and 46, both of which are substantiallyidentical to each other, and each of which may be powered by batterypower source 48. An AC power source may be utilized in an alternativeembodiment. The battery power source 48 is preferably contained within aspecially hollowed out portion 50 of the fire log 40, and is placedelectrically in contact with the circuitry 44 and/or 46 in aconventional manner, not shown in FIG. 2.

Associated with each of the electrical circuits 44 and 46 is a series ofLED light sources 51. Each of the electrical circuits 44 and 46 may alsoinclude a microphone 52. The electrical circuits 44 and 46, togetherwith their associated LED light sources 51 and microphone 52, operate inessentially the same manner as described with reference to FIG. 1 of thedrawings. Thus, each of the LED light sources 51 in the array isactivated to illuminate in a random or predetermined manner, so as togive off light at various points along the fire log 40 to provide theeffect that the fire log 40 is glowing, or that flames are burningthereon.

Reference is now made to FIG. 3 of the drawings which shows, in sideview, a diagrammatic representation of one embodiment of an ornamentalcandle incorporating the flame simulator of the invention. Whereapplicable, reference numerals will be used corresponding to those inFIG. 1 of the drawings. In FIG. 3, the candle 12 comprises side wall 14,a base 16, and a top wall 18. These various walls of the candle 12define a candle body 34.

In the lower half of the candle 12, there is formed a hollow chamber 60adapted to receive three batteries 62, 64 and 66, which form a batteryor power pack. The chamber 60, at an upper portion thereof, leads into awire channel 68 extending therefrom towards the circuits and lightsources above, which will be described.

The chamber 60 is accessed through a removable cover plate 70 near thebase 16 of the candle. The batteries 62, 64 and 66 are connected to apower switch 72, contained within the chamber 60, the power switch 72having a switch lever 74 which extends from within the chamber 60 tooutside of the candle 12, through the cover plate 70. In this way, theuser has manual access to and control of the switch lever 74 foractivating or deactivating the candle 12.

At the base 16 of the candle 12, there is a recessed portion 76, therecessed portion 76 leading to the chamber 60, but, in normal usage,sealed from the chamber 60 by means of the cover plate 70.

At the upper end 78 of the candle 12, there is an upper recess 80leading into a LED chamber 82. A printed circuit board 84 or anintegrated circuit mounted on a board 84 houses the electronics, oneembodiment of which is described below, for activating the candle 12.Attached to the PC board 84 are four LED light sources 26, which extendfrom the PC board 84 into the LED chamber 82. A microphone 30 extendsupwardly from the PC board 84, into the upper recess 80. The PC board 84is electrically connected to the power source of batteries 62, 64 and 66through appropriate electrical connectors which extend though the wirechannel 68.

FIG. 6 shows, schematically, a flame simulator 90 independent of thebody or ornament on which it may be mounted, including an integratedcircuit 92, an arm 94 extending therefrom which supports or containsconductors, preferably flexible conductors, and a support plate 96 atthe end of arm 94 which can be arranged at an angle to the arm 94, asrequired. The support plate 96 includes a microphone 98 and LEDs 100.The integrated circuit 92 is powered by a power source, indicatedgenerally at 102.

With reference to FIG. 7 of the drawings a preferred circuit diagramshowing some of the electronics and operation of the equipment isdescribed.

The heart of the system is the integrated circuit IC1 connected to anumber of LEDs, LD1-LD4. IC1 systematically or randomly orsemi-randomly, at the designer's choice, turns on and off the LEDssimulating the flickering of the candle 12.

Power is applied to all electronic circuitry, where indicated by “VCC”,by operation of a switch S1. The switch S1 has three positions: “on”;“off”; and “timed”. In the “on” position of switch S1, the integratedcircuit IC1 operates in a continuous mode after enablement, and stopsonly when commanded to do so by the user. That is, in this mode,operation starts and stops under remote control by the user, asexplained below. In the “off” position of switch S1, the entire systemis shut down, since switch S1 disconnects the battery from VCC. In the“timed” position of the switch S1, after starting operation, theintegrated circuit IC1 stops operation automatically after apredetermined time has passed.

In the “on” position of switch S1, typically at least 3 volts (2×1.5V)from the batteries is routed through the switch S1 and applied to allcircuitry requiring VCC. All circuit points designated “OND” areconnected together representing ground potential for the system. Groundpotential (GND) is not switched by the switch S1, except in the “on”position of the switch S1, when GND is applied to a pin 17 of the IC1 toset the functional operation of the IC1 in a continuous mode ofoperation until a “stop” signal is received on the pin 18 to cease itsoperation. In the “timed” position of S1, VCC is applied to the pin 17of the IC1, causing an internal timer in the IC1 to time out and stopoperation of the IC1 after a predetermined delay time, e.g., threehours.

In the “on” position of the switch S1, all circuits are powered and in astandby mode, defining an initial quiescent state for the IC1 in whichnone of the LEDs LD1-LD4 are lit. However, upon the occurrence of a highfrequency sound at the microphone MIC1, such as a hand clap or fingersnap, a signal is generated at the output of the microphone MIC1 andapplied to the + terminal of an operational amplifier IC2A. The IC2Aamplifies the sharp sound sensed by the microphone MIC1, and applies theamplified output signal simultaneously to the + input of an IC3A and tothe − input of the IC3B, which enables IC1 to begin modulating the LEDsto produce the flickering effect. The circuit may be modified to respondto different frequency signals without altering the principles of thepresent invention.

R1, C3, R5; C4, C5, R2, R4; R11; and R7, R8 are coupling, frequencycompensation, feedback, and biasing components, the functions andoperations of which are familiar to a skilled worker and therefore neednot be further described in detail herein. C2 and R6 define a high-passfilter, while R10, C1, and R3 define a low-pass filter arrangement.

In the presence of a sharp, high frequency sound input to the microphoneMIC1, high frequency signal components are present at the output of theIC2A, which signal components are passed on only to the − terminal ofthe IC3B through the high-pass filter C2, R6, i.e., the high frequencysignal from the IC2A is blocked from reaching the + terminal of the IC3Adue to the presence of the low-pass filter R10, C1, R3.

Thus, the IC3B amplifies its input signal and sends it to a pin 4 of theIC1 as a “start” pulse, initiating the operation of the IC1. When in anoperational mode, the IC1, either systematically (e.g., sequentially) orrandomly, applies power sufficient to light the LEDs LD1-LD4individually via pins 6 and 13 for LD1, via pins 7 and 12 for LD2, viapins 8 and 11 for LD3, and via pins 9 and 10 for LD4.

In the “on” switch setting, this condition will continue until theswitch S1 is moved to the “off” position, or until a low frequencysound, such as that made by blowing or making a thud-like sound near themicrophone MIC1, is sensed by the microphone MIC1.

In the presence of a low frequency sound input to the microphone MIC1,low frequency signal components are present at the output of the IC2A,which signal components are passed on only to the + terminal of the IC3Athrough the low-pass filter R10, C1, R3, i.e., the low frequency signalfrom the IC2A is blocked from reaching the − terminal of the IC3B due tothe presence of high-pass filter C2, R6.

Thus, the IC3A amplifies its input signal and sends it to a pin 18 ofthe IC1 as a “stop” pulse, ceasing the operation of the IC1, at whichtime, the circuitry is again returned to its quiescent state awaitinganother high frequency sound in the vicinity of the microphone MIC1. Aspreviously explained, other frequency sounds may be selected to controlvarious functions including on and off functions.

When the switch S1 is moved to the “timed” position, starting theoperation of the IC1 is accomplished in the same manner as describedabove, i.e., by the sensing of a high frequency sound present at themicrophone MIC1. However, in the “timed” mode, VCC is applied to the pin17 of the IC1 through the switch S1. This VCC potential on the pin 17sets an internal timer to run for the aforementioned predetermined delaytime, after which the operation of the IC1 is automatically terminated,and the circuitry is again returned to its quiescent state awaitinganother high frequency sound in the vicinity of the microphone MIC1.

It is to be understood that the circuit diagram of FIG. 7 depicts apreferred embodiment for the electronics of the invention, and thatother functions may be employed by either reconfiguring the connectionsto the IC1 and/or by the use of additional, or other, electroniccomponents. Examples of variations of the described circuit would beapparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art. For example, theswitch S1 could be modified, or a separate switch could be provided, tooperate a modified electronic system in yet another mode in which themicrophone MIC1 is disconnected from the system, and starting andstopping operation of the IC1 is accomplished solely by manual control.As another example, the delay for a timed stop could be made selectablewith only minor modification of the circuit diagram and the provision ofa manual delay time control device.

In FIGS. 8 a and 8 b there is shown a further embodiment of a circuitboard 104, which is arcuate in order to conform with the shape of abattery around which it may be located as a space-saving technique. Anarm 106 (or simply wires which are flexible and may be in flexibletubing) preferably extends upwardly or away from the printed circuitboard and circuitry 104, and terminates in a support plate 110substantially at right angles to the arm 106. The plate 110 supports themicrophone 108 and LED light sources which would be located, in use,near the upper portion of a candle.

FIG. 9 shows a view of a candle very similar to that illustrated in FIG.1 of the drawings, but with the light sources 26 pointing upwardly for aslightly different effect. FIG. 10 shows schematically a “birthday” typecandle 120 having a battery area 122, a circuit 124 and an LED 126. LED126 may be substituted by an alternative form of light without alteringthe principles of the present invention.

A greeting card 130 is illustrated in FIG. 11 and includes a printedcandle 132 having an LED light source 134 thereabove which is operatedby a circuit 136 to which it is connected by embedded wires 138. A powersource 140 is also provided.

The circuit board may be comprised of a flexible material so that itsshape can be easily manipulated to fit the space in which it is to bemounted. The circuit board can be connected to the LED light sourcesthrough any appropriate electrical connection means so that it can bedistanced therefrom, and this also functions as a space-saving techniquefor confining and mounting the electronics into smaller spaces.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, there are at least two lightbulbs, although more (such as four) are preferable, powered by randomlyor sequentially generated voltage sources to produce the flickeringeffect. In a preferred embodiment, at least two pairs of output ports ofa micro-controller may be programmed to provide a seven-segment LED/LCD12-hour time clock multiplex function. An audio signal is processed, inone embodiment, by a high-frequency filtering circuit, the output ofwhich provides a power-on signal which is responsive to a finger snap,handclap or the like, as described with reference to FIG. 7. Further,the audio signal may be processed by a low-frequency filtering circuit,the output of which provides a power-off signal, which is responsive to,for example, a blowing sound.

A mode switch or remote control device may be employed to select betweenthe modes of power-off, power-on or power-on with various microphonefunctions, or power-on for a predetermined period of time.

Another preferred feature of the invention may include the use ofLED-type light bulbs, generally in the manner described above, whereinsuch light bulbs radiate light in a non-parallel and substantiallydownward direction, so as to illuminate a translucent candle body, asbriefly referenced in the description of FIG. 1 of the drawings.Incandescent or neon light bulbs may substitute one or more of the LEDlight bulbs, and non-micro controller circuitry may be used.

The two light bulbs may be operated by at least two voltage sources,where a voltage source is randomly generated, semi-randomly generated,or sequentially generated, thereby producing the flickering flame andmoving light effect.

The flame simulator of the invention may have a signal produced by amicrophone and microphone amplifier which triggers the modulated voltagesources into power on and power off states alternately. Frequencyequalization may be applied to the amplifier such as to favor highfrequency sounds (such as a finger snap or hand clap) in triggering thepower on state, and the frequency equalization may also be applied tothe amplifier such as to favor low frequency sounds (such as blowingair) in triggering the power off state. Preferably, at least one of thelight bulbs radiates light into or from a translucent candle body, andany two such light bulbs may radiate light in directions that areparallel or non-parallel to one another.

The invention is not limited to the precise details, and variations ofthe particular electronics and circuitry, as well as the ornaments ordevices to which they may be attached, may vary within the disclosureherein. Further, additional features may form part of the invention. Forexample, a light sensor device may be associated and electricallyconnected to the circuitry of the invention. The light sensor senses thelevel of ambient light and may switch on the flame simulator, or placeit in a mode receptive to audio signals as described above, only whenlight levels drop below a pre-selected intensity. In this way, the flamesimulator of the invention would only operate during darker periods orin darker environments.

The invention may also include a motion detector associated therewithand electrically connected with the circuitry of the flame simulator ofthe invention. The inclusion of motion detector sensors would confineoperation of the flame simulator of the invention to periods of timewhen movement, such as that made by people in the vicinity, is presentand thereby save power by in operation when motion is not detected.Another option would be to incorporate heat sensors to restrictoperation of the flame simulator to conditions when temperatures dropbelow or move above pre-selected levels.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A candle having an electrically poweredflame simulator comprising: a substantially cylindrical body havingpermanent exterior surfaces comprising an upper portion having a rim onan upper surface that circumscribes a recess, a lower portion with alower surface, and a chamber therein, wherein the substantiallycylindrical body is self-supporting on the lower surface and has acircumference with a central axis extending through the center of theupper portion and center of the lower portion; a flame simulator locatedsubstantially within the recess; a circuit electrically connected to theflame simulator for intermittently illuminating the flame simulator; apower source for providing power to the circuit; and a microphoneassociated with the circuit through which audio sounds can be processed.2. The candle of claim 1, wherein the circuit comprises an integratedcircuit configured to process a signal from the microphone.
 3. Thecandle of claim 2, wherein the integrated circuit is configured toprocess audio sounds through the microphone.
 4. The candle of claim 1,wherein at least a portion of the microphone is not embedded within thecandle.
 5. The candle of claim 1, wherein an operative portion of themicrophone is exposed to outside air.
 6. The candle of claim 1, whereinthe microphone extends upwardly towards the recess.
 7. The candle ofclaim 1, further comprising a switch that operates the candle in a modein which the microphone is disconnected from the circuit.
 8. The candleof claim 1, wherein the circuit is configured to intermittentlyilluminate the flame simulator to produce a flickering effect.
 9. Acandle having an electrically powered flame simulator comprising: asubstantially cylindrical body having permanent exterior surfacescomprising an upper portion having a rim on an upper surface thatcircumscribes a recess, a lower portion with a lower surface, and achamber therein, wherein the substantially cylindrical body isself-supporting on the lower surface and has a circumference with acentral axis extending through the center of the upper portion andcenter of the lower portion; a flame simulator located substantiallywithin the recess; a circuit electrically connected to the flamesimulator for illuminating the flame simulator; a power source forproviding power to the circuit; and a microphone associated with thecircuit so that sounds can be programmed.
 10. The candle of claim 9,wherein the circuit comprises an integrated circuit configured toprocess a signal from the microphone.
 11. The candle of claim 10,wherein the integrated circuit is configured to process audio soundsthrough the microphone.
 12. The candle of claim 9, wherein at least aportion of the microphone is not embedded within the candle.
 13. Thecandle of claim 9, wherein an operative portion of the microphone isexposed to outside air.
 14. The candle of claim 9, wherein themicrophone extends upwardly towards the recess.
 15. The candle of claim9, further comprising a switch that operates the candle in a mode inwhich the microphone is disconnected from the circuit.
 16. The candle ofclaim 10, wherein the circuit is configured to intermittently illuminatethe flame simulator to produce a flickering effect.